Exclusive: Badshah talks about hip-hop turning 50, says ‘it gives you freedom’

Badshah started out as a hip-hop artiste in 2006 and 17 years later, the rapper is among the biggest names in the Indian music space. Besides establishing himself as a chart-topping musician, he has also contributed extensively towards the growth of hip-hop in India. Also read: Badshah reacts to viral video claiming he fell off stage during his show

As the genre turns 50 today (August 11), the musician, in an exclusive chat with us, says, “This day is a testimony to the cultural relevance of the genre and how hip-hop has become foundational. But we need to focus on building the future narrative, rather than celebrating it on one day. As the world celebrates 50 years of hip-hop, it shouldn’t be about just one artiste, one region or one culture. I’d love for the new wave of hip-hop and the older generation across the world to coexist. Hip-hop is now beyond being a global phenomenon; it’s the foundation of pop culture all over the world.”

Ask why he loves the genre and the 37-year-old says, “Hip-hop is not meant for the faint-hearted. It has erupted from a place of authenticity, where artistes are able to put themselves out there in a very no-holds-barred manner. Hip-hop doesn’t let you get stuck in a box and or have anyone dictate to you what can make the cut. It gives you freedom and fluidity.“

When he started out as a hip-hop artiste, the genre wasn’t as big in India. Was it tough to make people understand the kind of music he wanted to make? “When I was growing up, it was extremely difficult to think big as I hailed from a middle-class milieu. But music gave me the courage to dream and I didn’t care much about what others felt because it almost felt like hip-hop was my inner sanctum. In my early days, it was tough for me to say, ‘I can build from rock bottom’, but hip-hop was a test for my testimony,” says Badshah, who feels proud to be addressed as ‘an hip-hop artiste’.

“It’s such a gratifying feeling to know that I’m useful to my community, my country and the world. I’ve been able to perform at big venues, deliver chart-breaking hits and collaborate with phenomenal artistes over the past two decades and that’s all because hip-hop gave me that platform,” he ends.